What Are the Most Powerful Cantrips in D&D 5e?
The world of Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition (5e) is filled with powerful magic, and while high-level spells often steal the spotlight, cantrips are the workhorses of any spellcaster. These magical abilities can be cast at will, without expending spell slots, making them essential tools for adventurers of all levels. But which cantrips truly stand out? The most powerful cantrips are those that provide consistent utility, reliable damage, or significant battlefield control – and often a combination of all three. Ultimately, the “best” cantrip often depends on your class, playstyle, and campaign, but some consistently rise to the top.
Top Cantrips for Consistent Power
1. Eldritch Blast
Often hailed as the king of cantrips, Eldritch Blast is exclusive to Warlocks. This cantrip is renowned for its consistent damage output and its scaling potential. Instead of merely increasing damage dice at higher levels, Eldritch Blast fires multiple beams, each with its own attack roll. When coupled with the Agonizing Blast invocation, which adds your Charisma modifier to each beam’s damage, Eldritch Blast becomes one of the most powerful and reliable damage options for any Warlock. Adding Repelling Blast allows battlefield manipulation by pushing enemies away from the Warlock.
2. Guidance
Simple, yet incredibly versatile, Guidance is a must-have for any party. It grants a willing creature a d4 bonus on any ability check they make within the next minute. This can be a lifesaver during crucial moments, whether it’s opening a locked door, convincing a stubborn NPC, or navigating a treacherous trap. Classes such as Clerics, Druids, and Artificers have access to this invaluable cantrip.
3. Minor Illusion
Minor Illusion is a cantrip that rewards creativity and ingenuity. Able to create a sound or an image that is not larger than a 5ft cube, Minor Illusion can be used for a variety of purposes. It can create distractions, hide party members, or even scare away foes. The only limit to Minor Illusion’s potential is the caster’s imagination and the Dungeon Master’s interpretation. This cantrip is available to Bards, Sorcerers, Warlocks, and Wizards.
4. Fire Bolt
As a quintessential damage cantrip, Fire Bolt provides reliable ranged fire damage. It’s a simple attack, but its 1d10 damage die is above average, making it a great choice for characters that need a straightforward ranged attack option. It also has the added benefit of igniting flammable objects. Although it’s widely available to several classes such as Sorcerers, Wizards, Artificers, and some subclasses, it’s the default cantrip for High Elves.
5. Toll the Dead
Toll the Dead is a powerful option for dealing damage, especially against injured foes. If the target is missing hit points, the damage increases to a d12 instead of a d8. This makes it a particularly potent damage cantrip in drawn-out fights where enemies are already weakened. Clerics, Warlocks, and some subclasses can make use of this reliable damage option.
Strategic & Utility Cantrips
6. Mage Hand
A classic utility cantrip, Mage Hand conjures a spectral, floating hand that can perform various tasks at a distance. It’s extremely versatile and can be used to interact with objects, open doors, and even trigger traps from afar. The practical applications are vast, making it an invaluable tool for exploration and puzzle-solving. It is commonly used by Artificers, Sorcerers, Warlocks, and Wizards.
7. Message
Message is a crucial communication cantrip, allowing players to send a brief, whispered message to one other character up to 120 feet away. This is invaluable for stealth operations, strategic planning, or communicating with allies while infiltrating a dungeon or dealing with social encounters. It is widely available to classes like Bards, Sorcerers, Warlocks, and Wizards.
8. Prestidigitation
The ultimate utility cantrip, Prestidigitation allows for a variety of minor magical effects. From cleaning clothes, to creating small, harmless sensory effects, Prestidigitation enhances roleplaying and utility. It adds a lot of flavor to the game and provides numerous small advantages during downtime or exploration. The cantrip is enjoyed by Bards, Sorcerers, Warlocks, Wizards, and Artificers.
9. Blade Ward
While seemingly simple, Blade Ward offers significant protection against physical attacks. It grants you resistance to bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing damage from weapon attacks until the end of your next turn. This can be a lifesaver in tight spots and is a great defensive option, particularly for melee characters who are also spellcasters. It is available to Warlocks, Sorcerers, and some subclasses.
10. Shillelagh
Specifically beneficial to Druids and some subclasses, Shillelagh allows a character to attack with their Wisdom modifier using a club or quarterstaff. This can be useful for making characters who are not primarily martial-focused more viable in melee combat, making them less reliant on Strength, especially at lower levels. It helps bridge the gap between casters and melee fighters.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Do cantrips scale in power?
Yes, cantrips become more potent as your character gains levels. This scaling typically happens at levels 5, 11, and 17, often increasing damage dice, the number of beams, or other relevant effects. This ensures that cantrips remain viable throughout your adventuring career.
2. Can you cast cantrips infinitely?
Yes, cantrips can be cast an unlimited number of times per day. This makes them a vital part of a spellcaster’s toolkit, particularly when spell slots are limited.
3. What is the most damaging cantrip for Wizards?
Fire Bolt is among the highest damage-dealing cantrips available to Wizards, hitting targets for 1d10 fire damage, which scales at higher levels.
4. Can you counterspell a cantrip?
While cantrips are spells, they are not subject to Counterspell under normal circumstances. Some unique abilities or subclass features, however, may allow counterspelling a cantrip.
5. Why is Eldritch Blast considered powerful?
Eldritch Blast’s power comes not just from its damage dice but from the multiple beams it fires at higher levels and the fact it is highly customizable with invocations. Coupled with Agonizing Blast and Repelling Blast, it becomes a versatile and very reliable damage option.
6. Is Fire Bolt the default cantrip for High Elves?
High Elves can choose one cantrip from the Wizard spell list, however Fire Bolt is a popular choice and a default cantrip for several races and classes.
7. What is “Potent Cantrip”?
Potent Cantrip is a feature that causes enemies to take half damage on a successful saving throw against your cantrip. This can ensure that your cantrip still has an impact, even when the enemy is resistant or lucky.
8. Can you cast two cantrips in one turn?
Yes, with some caveats. You can cast a cantrip as a bonus action using a feature like Quickened Spell or some subclasses’ features, and cast another cantrip as an action on the same turn.
9. Can you use Hex and Eldritch Blast together?
Yes, you can cast Hex and Eldritch Blast on the same turn. Hex is a bonus action spell that does not restrict the spells you can cast on your turn, so long as you use an action to cast Eldritch Blast.
10. Can Sneak Attack be used with cantrips?
No, Sneak Attack can only be used with weapon attacks, not spells. Cantrips like Eldritch Blast are considered spells, not weapon attacks.
11. What is the best cantrip for battlefield control?
Minor Illusion, Eldritch Blast (with Repelling Blast), and Lightning Lure are all great options for battlefield control and manipulation.
12. What are the best cantrips early game?
Eldritch Blast, Mage Hand, Minor Illusion, Shillelagh, and Blade Ward are generally considered to be the most effective cantrips in the early game, due to their versatility and lack of reliance on Concentration.
13. Is Thaumaturgy a good cantrip?
Thaumaturgy is an excellent cantrip for roleplaying and enhancing your presence and can be useful to get the upper hand in social situations.
14. What is the difference between a spell and a cantrip?
Spells expend spell slots and are usually more powerful, while cantrips can be cast infinitely but have lower damage and limited effects.
15. Which cantrips are generally considered underrated?
True Strike, while not always the most efficient, can be a useful cantrip for low-level characters or in niche situations. Sword Burst can be useful for dealing damage to groups of enemies in melee range.
Cantrips are a fundamental part of the D&D 5e experience, and understanding which ones are the most powerful can significantly impact your character’s effectiveness and versatility. Choosing the right cantrips will empower you to tackle the challenges of your adventures, whether they involve combat, exploration, or social interaction.